Mid summer trials and hunt tests can be real scorchers. Be smart with your dog and yourself.

Everyone knows that dogs don’t sweat. They dissipate heat or regulate body temperature by panting. They release heat through their tongues. In the hot months of summer we as dog owners need to pay strict attention to our dogs during extreme heat. Dogs sitting in the backs of trucks topping temperatures of 90 degrees are in need of air movement as well as frequent watering.

In July I ran a hunt test near Horicon Wisconsin where the mid day temperature was 96 degrees. The precautions I took were not only enough to keep my two participants alive but also comfortable. You may ask "how do you know they were comfortable"? That’s a good question, being as my dogs have never complained about anything. If a dog is lying in his kennel with his mouth closed and resting not panting, chances are his body temp is well within operating limits.

Some pick-up trucks don’t allow for ample ventilation. My truck’s cap has one of the newer window innovations. The side windows are doors that can open fully like that of a hatch back on a car. They also incorporate sliding windows in the middle. In the past you could get one or the other, but not both. When I’m driving, the sliders are open and when I stop, I immediately open the whole window. They aren’t available on all caps, mine is an Astro. I purchased it from Ray’s caps in Milwaukee. You can also get replacement’s to fit on certain caps. This creates lots of airflow to our dogs.

Also, when packing your truck, keep in mind not to pack to many things around the dog crates so as to block what airflow you have. You can also keep the middle forward window of the cap and even the middle back window of your truck open to further create airflow. And by all means try not to park where the sun is beating on your dog. If you can’t park in the shade, you may have to move your truck every hour or so as the sun moves.

While talking about airflow we have to mention fans. There are several types of fans to provide wind. I have found the best ones to be the large oscillating 6 to 10 inch fans that require the use of a 12 volt battery. They can be found at truck stops or truck supply stores. The small self contained AA or C type that clip onto your dog crates don’t provide as much airflow, don’t oscillate, don’t collect as much air from the back and can only run 4 to 8 hours before going dead. I have a separate 12 volt battery I keep in the back of my truck for my fan. I’ve had it running for over 20 hours without recharging.

Obviously water is a concern. When I go to a hunt test, trial or hunting on a hot day I fill two one gallon containers with water and put them in a cooler with ice. When I arrive at my destination, I take one container out letting it get to outside air temperature while leaving the other in the cooler to stay cold. I have found that if you give the dog ice cold water on a hot day they don’t drink much of it. It may be too much of a temperature change and they don’t seem to like it. But when I mix the cold water with the warm water making it cool, they drink lots of it.

If your dog is urinating but only a small amount of urine is coming out and is of a yellow color, chances are the dog is dehydrated and not getting enough water. Letting the dog out often for water and potty breaks is a good idea to keep track of his hydration level.

I also carry in my ice chest a solar shower. It is a plastic two-five gallon bag with a shower nozzle on the end and when tipped upright creates a nice shower of cool water. They can be purchased in hunting/fishing/camping stores such as Gander Mountain. While I let them out to drink I sprinkle them with cool water. Again, I do take the shower out of the ice chest well before using it to get it a little warmer or they don’t like it.

Another way to keep your dog cool is to keep him out of the sun. E-Z up tents can be set up over the back side of your pickup not only keeping your dog out of the sun but yourself as well. They’re just a roof type tent with no sides that are a breeze to set up. You don’t want to stop airflow just the sun. If you have to continuously move your truck so as to keep the sun out of the back of your truck then do it, nothing will heat a dog up more than the sun beating on him.

When keeping your dog still in the grass such as waiting to run him at a test or just giving him a break while hunting keep in mind that the temperature in high grass can be much hotter than up at your head. At the hunt test I ran in July, the temperature in the shade of the truck was 96 degrees but the temp in the grass was 99.

And by all means, don’t forget about yourself. They make umbrella holders to stick in the dirt that are awesome for holding up a large umbrella to keep you out of the sun while watching the dogs run at an event. The holders along with large camo umbrellas are available at dog supply stores such as "Dogs Afield". And remember lots of water for yourself too.

By giving your dog plenty of airflow, water breaks, potty breaks to keep an eye on him, and keeping him out of the sun you will make him a comfortable dog, and a comfortable dog will always be more alert and willing to run his best.

BACK HOME